Leading up to the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival and International Fashion Film Awards on July 26 and 27, La Jolla Today will feature interviews with movers and shakers in the fashion and film industries, some of whom will be attending the awards. This week, fashion photographer Pavel Badzhakov talks about what it takes to have an eye for fashion and how to capture that on film.

Q: Do you feel international events such as the LJFFF can bring people together in ways the Internet and Facebook can’t?

A: I am 100 percent positive that Internet events or Facebook, etc. can’t even compare to a festival like LJFFF. Being a part of this and the chance to meet some of the best industry professionals is a unique experience. The direct contacts and the ways to share the knowledge with other people is something that no Internet platform is able to offer so far.

Q: How did you get involved with fashion film?

A: I have worked as a professional fashion photographer for 16 years now. Four years ago, I predicted that still images were going to evolve to short movies, and my assumption appears to be correct. It was then I started to create short fashion films. Two years ago, I was spotted by one of the largest fashion television networks in the world (FashionTV) and shortly after that my films were exposed to the world.

Q: What are the important elements that make a fashion film successful?

A: That’s a very good question. Videography and cinematography have become the new way to express ideas of the up-and-coming artists. It was something that had not been explored much yet, but it became very popular very quickly. Creativity is something that helps a fashion film to become successful. There are no rules anymore and the only boundaries we have are our ideas. Of course, the gorgeous models are still the 100 percent rule for getting attention. Makeup artists, hairstylists and designers from all over the world are creating the fashion teams of tomorrow and only the future will show what else we’re about to experience...

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?

A: Be positive, try new techniques, break the rules, share your knowledge and results, collaborate with the industry professionals, do not be afraid to dream and ask “stupid” questions. And shoot, shoot, shoot. There are no wrong steps, only new experiences. Also, it’s important to have a good eye.

To see some of Badzhakov’s photo galleries, visit www.fashion tv.com/fashion-photographers /pavel-badzhakov_251.html.